Tag Archive for Republican Primary

Protecting The Brand

We have an opportunity to clean up the way in which Republican candidates are selected.

This weekend the Michigan Republican State Committee will likely vote on a motion submitted by Tom McMillin to rescind the Open Primary rules that were passed last year.

Generally, many of us who are still in the GOP have decried the corrupting influence of those who could give a rats ass about the platform; a platform which is perfectly reasonable if it was honored.   A couple days ago, Tom wrote to state committee members

Dear fellow State Committee members
Attached is an FAQ regarding rescinding the Open Primary rules passed by the prior state committee.

This year’s state committee, not last year’s, will administer next year’s primary.  We should not shrink back from that responsibility.  It’s clear that Republican activists are tired of people outside our party influencing the primary process, especially when casting votes.

I think it would be wise and healthy for us to reset the table, discuss and debate the options and have the current state committee come to a conclusion.

Sincerely,
Tom McMillin
8th District Chair

I don’t have a copy of the FAQ at this time, but have learned to trust McMillin’s instinct on items like this.

And frankly, we’ve seen the damaging effects of the corrupting influence.

You Betcha! (15)Nuh Uh.(2)

Moneybags

BuySeatMy wife asked me, “who is this guy?”

She was referring to the now frequent television commercials for fourth district congressional candidate Paul Mitchell. And if you have never heard of him before, its because he has not held political office that you might recognize.  Another bucket list brigade member, GOP primary candidate Paul Mitchell has already piled tons of cash into Michigan’s 4th congressional district race in an effort to present himself as a real contender.

Cable and broadcast buys for April and May have already exceeded a quarter of a million dollars, and sources have indicated he intends to whiz away his entire bank account to feel extra special if necessary.  And who cares if anyone knows who he is, or what he stands for?

Ah yes, the “what do you stand for?” question. That place where people look beyond the claims of a candidate being a conservative first, and actually predict what kind of legislator they might actually be.

And if the nape hair instincts kick in at the point where you realize a candidate has no record to examine, is blowing a wad of his own cash, and was the finance chair for the Michigan Republican Party, then you might be paying attention.

Oh yeah.. All that.

You Betcha! (22)Nuh Uh.(8)

Law Enforcement Out in Front For MacMaster

This tidbit just crossed the desk.

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS ENDORSE MACMASTER: Twenty of northern Michigan’s law enforcement officials on Thursday announced their endorsement of Rep. Greg MacMaster (R-Kewadin) in his bid for the 37th Senate District seat.

Sen. Howard Walker (R-Traverse City) is the current seat holder, but announced last year that he would not seek reelection. Mr. MacMaster faces a primary challenge from House colleague Rep. Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City) for the seat.

The endorsements came from sheriffs in Cheboygan, Luce, Oscoda, Grace, Chippewa, Benzie, and Montmorency counties, as well as former Kalkaska County Sheriff Al Hart. The chiefs of police in Central Lake, Bellaire, and St. Ignace were also part of the endorsement.

From what I understand other law enforcement officials have indicated support, but are not willing to issue official endorsements due to an active phone campaign by Wayne Schmidt.

You Betcha! (0)Nuh Uh.(0)